Client Learns Case Dismissed Through Online Search

In a matter involving a single case and client, the Maryland Court of Appeals imposed an indefinite suspension for the “grievous actions” of the attorney.

The attorney went to work for his father after his 1999 bar admission. The case arrived within weeks. It involved a personal injury claim of a client struck by a car in a parking lot. The defendant was never served.

While the attorney never entered an appearance (his father was attorney of record), he was responsible for the case. Eventually, it was dismissed. The client was never told; rather, he assured her by e-mail the case was still active.

He also made false representations concerning his contacts with and assurances from the clerk’s office in a motion to reinstate the case.

Practice pointer: The client learned of the dismissal when “she performed an internet search through the Maryland Judicial Case Search.”

I’d call that progress. (Mike Frisch)